Border Warfare Forces Family to Flee

Man's outspoken views on border warfare forces family to flee under cover of darkness.

CAPPER's Staff

| Good Old Days

When the border warfare between Kansas and Missouri broke out, it became necessary for my grandfather and grandmother to leave their home because Grandfather had spoken his views too freely and had made enemies. In fact, he had to remain hidden to save his life.

One night, they put a cover on the old wagon, loaded their meager possessions and headed west. Grandpa went ahead on foot, and Grandma and the babies followed in the ox-drawn wagon. Grandpa, in scouting ahead, came upon two men burying a man they had killed, all neighbors, but bitter enemies because of the slavery question. Grandpa stopped behind a tree and watched. He brought out his old muzzle-loader and prepared to kill the men who had killed his friend.

Just then he heard the ox wagon coming, bringing Grandma and the babies. The realization struck him that he was all they had to see them to safety. So he let the hammer of the gun down and slipped quietly away. I don't suppose those men ever knew how close they were to death or that they were saved by the sound of an ox wagon.

Mrs. Raymond WilliamsPaola, Kansas

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